Hopping off your JetBlue flight at your destination might feel like a win at first — snacks, friendly service, and roomy seats make this budget airline a popular choice.
However, when you’re picking up your bag from the carousel, you notice a crack in the side that definitely wasn’t there before. Now, you’re feeling more than a little dissatisfied with the airline’s performance.
But JetBlue isn’t off the hook — the airline is responsible for covering damages to bags, as long as you take the steps to report it. And lucky for you, I’ve read the fine print on what they owe you, so you don’t have to!
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What Is JetBlue Responsible For?
JetBlue Airlines is responsible for covering the cost of repairs or reimbursement for bags they mishandle and damage. This isn’t just JetBlue’s policy — it’s a rule under the Department of Transportation (DOT).
There is a maximum liability limit, however, and it’s set at $4,700 per passenger.
If JetBlue mishandles your bag, damage will probably look like rips, tears, cracking on hardshell luggage, or broken wheels or straps. And while the airline might be resistant, they cannot exclude liability for broken wheels and straps — that’s backed by the DOT, too.
However, it’s true that the airline is not responsible for normal wear and tear on luggage, so you have to be able to claim specific damages in order to receive any compensation.
The airline also has to reimburse you for any damages to the contents inside your bag. For example, if you had a pair of brand-new leather boots in your bag and they got scratched when your duffle bag was ripped, you can receive compensation for the boots.
And FYI, if your bag wasn't damaged but merely delayed, JetBlue may still owe you compensation!
How To Make a Damaged Baggage Claim with JetBlue
While most airlines require you to report your damaged bag within a certain number of hours after landing, JetBlue doesn’t specify. But they do urge you to report it “ASAP — preferably before leaving the airport.”
In the best-case scenario, you notice the damage right away and head straight for JetBlue’s Baggage Service Office in the baggage claim area. There, you can report the damage to a JetBlue representative.
But if you don’t notice the damage until after leaving the airport, you can still file a damage report online. However, this option doesn’t give you the opportunity to talk with a JetBlue representative, who may be able to cut you a check for compensation then and there at the airport.
If you file the report online, you can check the status of your claim by logging back into the same portal. For even more follow-up, you can contact JetBlue’s Central Baggage Service at 1-866-538-5438.
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How To Prevent Damage to Checked Bags
While airlines are legally obligated to compensate you for any damages to your bags, it’s better for it not to happen at all. Plus, no dollar amount can replace your favorite college hoodie if it gets torn up.
Here are some tips to prevent your bag from getting damaged in the first place:
- Don’t overpack. Stress on zippers and seams makes them more likely to break in transit.
- Don’t check an open bag. Maybe this is a no-brainer, but if your bag doesn’t close all the way, it’s not secure. Items inside will have a much higher likelihood of getting pulled, ripped, or otherwise damaged if your bag is partially open.
- Secure any loose straps. If your bag has straps or catches on the outside, take them off, tuck them in, or otherwise secure them before dropping it off. Straps can catch in the conveyor belt.
- Pack heavy items near the bottom. When you pack heavier things closer to the bottom of the bag, you’ll keep the center of gravity manageable for those who handle your bag, decreasing the likelihood of damage.
- Keep valuables in your carry-on. You’ll have more control over the safety of your laptop, briefcase, or other valuable items if you carry them with you on the plane.
- Don’t travel with worn-out bags. If your bag is already tearing at the seams, you won’t have much of a leg to stand on if the bag falls apart on your next trip.
- Consider a PVC luggage protector. There are TSA-approved luggage sleeves that are tough and durable for air travel. If you really want to keep your luggage pristine, you might want to invest in one.
My rule of thumb is to always snap a picture of my bag before I drop it off. If I get it back and there’s a new crack, I have evidence to prove the damage to the airline.
The DOT has since increased this amount to $4,700!
Insurance Coverage for Damaged Bags
If you have travel insurance, your policy may cover damage to your bags beyond what the airline will cover.
For example, Allianz Travel Insurance covers up to $2,000 per insured traveler for lost/damaged baggage, and World Nomads, which specializes in adventure travel (and equipment), covers up to $3,000.
Your credit card might also protect you. For example, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the more premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® will reimburse you up to $3,000 for repairing or replacing baggage that was lost or damaged by the airline.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards Rate
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries
- 2x on all other travel purchases
- 1x on all other purchases
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$95
. . .
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rewards Rate
- 10x points on hotel stays and car rentals through Chase Travel℠
- 10x points on dining purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on restaurants and travel
- 1x points on everything else
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$550
. . .
TL;DR: Claiming JetBlue Damaged Bag Compensation
When your bag gets damaged from mishandling by JetBlue Airlines, report it immediately to their Baggage Service Office. If you can’t do it in person, file a report online.
Remember — if the airline damages your bag, they owe you for it!
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Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
